U.S. patent application number 13/320788 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-09 for system and method for individualized media publishing.
This patent application is currently assigned to IRONCUTTER MEDIA, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Derrick Greene, Geordie Korper, Alivia Tagliaferri. Invention is credited to Derrick Greene, Geordie Korper, Alivia Tagliaferri.
Application Number | 20130117665 13/320788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45530718 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130117665 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tagliaferri; Alivia ; et
al. |
May 9, 2013 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INDIVIDUALIZED MEDIA PUBLISHING
Abstract
A system and method of individualized media publishing including
a customization server configured to receive an electronic work
from a content creator, create a custom field within the electronic
work, and store the custom field in a database or a memory storage
device. The system and method receives a request for a customized
electronic work from a consumer, and transmits a notification to
the content creator informing the content creator of the request
for the customized electronic work. The system inserts customized
content created by the content creator into the custom field and
creates the customized electronic work. The customized electronic
work may then be delivered to the consumer.
Inventors: |
Tagliaferri; Alivia;
(Washington, DC) ; Korper; Geordie; (Fairfax
Station, VA) ; Greene; Derrick; (Lansdowne,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tagliaferri; Alivia
Korper; Geordie
Greene; Derrick |
Washington
Fairfax Station
Lansdowne |
DC
VA
VA |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
IRONCUTTER MEDIA, LLC
Washington
DC
|
Family ID: |
45530718 |
Appl. No.: |
13/320788 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
July 28, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US11/45707 |
371 Date: |
November 16, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61368904 |
Jul 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/255 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 40/174 20200101;
G06F 40/166 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/255 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/24 20060101
G06F017/24 |
Claims
1. A method of individualized media publishing comprising:
receiving, by one or more servers, an electronic work; receiving,
by the one or more servers, an indication of an area for
customization within the electronic work; creating, by the one or
more servers, a custom field within the electronic work associated
with the area for customization; and storing, in a database or a
memory storage, the custom field.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the one
or more servers, a request for a customized electronic work.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising transmitting, by the
one or more servers, a notification indicating the request for the
customized electronic work.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the one
or more servers, customized content associated with the custom
field.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising inserting, by the one
or more servers, the customized content into the custom field
creating a customized electronic work.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising transmitting, by the
one or more servers, the customized electronic work.
7. The method of claim 5, further comprising generating, by the one
or more servers, a preview of the customized electronic work
8. The method of claim 5, wherein the inserting the customized
content further includes inserting, by the one or more servers, at
least one of a message, an inscription or dedication, an autograph
or signature, an image, a recording, and a video into the custom
field.
9. A system for individualized media publishing comprising: one or
more servers, either individually or in combination, in
communication with a content creator device and a consumer device,
the one or more servers, either individually or in combination,
configured to: receive a request for a customized electronic work;
create a custom field within an electronic work; insert customized
content into the custom field creating the customized electronic
work; and electronically deliver the customized electronic
work.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more servers, either
individually or in combination, are further configured to receive a
location of the custom field.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the one or more servers, either
individually or in combination, are further configured to receive
the electronic work from the content creator device.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more servers, either
individually or in combination, are further configured to transmit
a notification message of the request to the content creator
device.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the customized content includes
at least one of a message, an inscription or dedication, an
autograph or signature, an image, a recording, and a video.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more servers are
further configured to allow the customized content to be created
via the content creator device.
15. A system for individualized media publishing comprising: a
server accessible by a content creator device, the server including
a microprocessor; and a database in communication with the server;
the microprocessor configured to run a computer program, stored in
a non-transitory computer-readable medium, that allows the
microprocessor to open an electronic work, create a custom field
within the electronic work, and store the custom field in the
database.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the content creator device is
electronically accessible to the server via a communications
network.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the microprocessor is further
configured to create the custom field within the electronic work at
a selected location received via the content creator device.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the microprocessor is further
configured to receive custom content including at least one of a
message, an inscription or dedication, an autograph or signature,
an image, a recording, and a video from the content creator
device.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the microprocessor is further
configured to access the custom field stored in the database and
insert the custom content into the custom field.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the microprocessor is further
configured to create a customized electronic work including the
electronic work and the custom content.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/368,904, filed on Jul. 29, 2010, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to electronic media
publishing. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to
systems and methods for individualized media publishing for
electronic or digital works.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic books ("e-books"), music, videos, and other
electronic or digital media available for purchase through, for
example, Internet websites have become increasingly popular with
potential consumers as an alternative to purchasing physical
versions of such media. For example, a consumer may purchase an
e-book from an online distributor (e.g., Amazon). To purchase an
e-book, a potential consumer may electronically access a website of
the online distributor, whereby the consumer submits financial
information to purchase the e-book or a pre-existing account
associated with the consumer is charged by the online distributor
for the purchase. Once purchased, the e-book is available to view
via an e-book reader or another type of computer device capable of
displaying the e-book. Use of the e-book may be subject to certain
terms and conditions that the consumer agrees to prior to purchase.
Other types of electronic or digital media may be purchased and
viewed or listened to using similar processes.
[0004] In contrast to the purchase of electronic or digital media,
consumers of hard-copy versions of media (such as conventional
books, music, videos, and other media) own physical versions of the
media which may be customized or personalized by the consumer or
the author of the work. For example, consumers often customize
conventional books by requesting an autograph and/or personalized
message from the author or include personalized messages when the
book is a gift to someone else. Moreover, bookstores often hold
events allowing individuals to have books signed by the author. For
electronic or digital media, however, users do not have adequate
ways to obtain personalized or signed copies of the electronic
media or adequate methods to customize the purchased electronic
media.
[0005] Currently, electronic or digital media do not offer an
efficient and useful manner for users or consumers to customize or
personalize the electronic or digital media either at the time of
purchase or anytime thereafter. For example,after purchase, users
may manipulate the digital media files, to the extent the digital
media files are not protected by digital rights management (DRM)
software which prevents users from manipulating the digital media
files, to insert other materials created by the user such as image
or message files. This method is not an efficient manner for
customization as it involves complicated methods for extracting
data and inserting new files into the existing digital media file.
In addition, such methods may violate copyright laws and the terms
of use a consumer agrees to upon purchasing digital media.
[0006] Similarly, the difficulty in customizing electronic or
digital media is not just applicable to the user or consumer but
also the creator or author of the work as existing methods do not
provide an adequate or efficient manner to autograph, customize, or
personalize an electronic copy of his or her work purchased by a
user.
[0007] Moreover, problems may exist in modifying or changing the
content of the media file after publication. In conventional media
(for example, physical versions of books, music, and videos), there
are limitations for both the creator and the publisher of the media
such as an inability to modify the published version of the book.
This may require the creator and publisher to repeat the publishing
process thereby creating a new version of the book. Purchasers of
the prior version interested in the modifications, therefore, may
be required to purchase or obtain the new version of the book. This
problem also exists for current electronically published books and
other digital media since the publishing process is only concerned
with creating a version of the digital media file to be sold to
potential consumers and if future changes occur, consumers may be
required to purchase a new version.
SUMMARY
[0008] In an illustrative embodiment, a computer implemented system
and method for publishers and authors to provide customized
electronic books (e-books) for each consumer is disclosed.
Generally, the system and method are presented and/or implemented
through a web based application.
[0009] In an illustrative embodiment, a method of individualized
media publishing is disclosed. The method includes, but is not
limited to, the steps of one or more servers receiving an
electronic work, receiving an indication of an area for
customization within the electronic work, creating a custom field
within the electronic work associated with the area for
customization, and storing the custom field in a database or a
memory storage device and/or system.
[0010] In another illustrative embodiment, a system for
individualized media publishing is disclosed. The system includes,
but is not limited to, one or more servers that, either
individually or in combination, are in communication with a content
creator device and a consumer device. The one or more servers may
be configured to receive a request for a customized electronic
work, create a custom field within an electronic work, insert
customized content into the custom field creating the customized
electronic work, and electronically deliver the customized
electronic work.
[0011] In yet another illustrative embodiment, a system for
individualized media publishing is disclosed. In this embodiment,
the system includes a server, including but not limited to a
microprocessor, accessible by a content creator device, and a
database in communication with the server. The microprocessor may
be configured to run a computer program, stored in a non-transitory
computer-readable medium, that allows the microprocessor to open an
electronic work, create a custom field within the electronic work,
and store the custom field in the database.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention is illustrated in the figures of the
accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not
limiting, in which like references are intended to refer to like or
corresponding parts, and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system
architecture for individualized media publishing;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system
architecture for individualized media publishing;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a block flow diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of a method for setting up an account for individualized
media publishing;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a block flow diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of a method for preparing an e-book for individualized
media publishing;
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a block flow diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of a method for a point of request or point of sale
process of purchasing a customized e-book;
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a block flow diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of a method for customization of the e-book using a web
based application;
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary screenshot of a log in
page;
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary screenshot of an inbox
view;
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary screenshot of a
customization page;
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary screenshot of a signing
page;
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary screenshot of a typing
page;
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary screenshot of an add image
page;
[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary screenshot of a preview
page;
[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a block flow diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of a method for conversion and delivery of the
customized e-book or individualized media; and
[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary screenshot of a delivery
page.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Detailed embodiments of systems and methods for
individualized media publishing are disclosed herein, however, it
is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely
exemplary of the systems and methods for individualized media
publishing, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore,
specific functional details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and
as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the systems and methods disclose herein.
[0029] Generally, the systems and methods disclosed herein include
and may be implemented within a computer, computer system, and/or
network of computer systems having one or more databases and other
storage apparatuses, servers, and additional components, such as
processors or microprocessors, modems, terminals and displays,
non-transitory computer-readable media, algorithms, software,
modules, and other computer-related components. The computer
systems are especially configured and adapted to perform the
functions and processes of the systems and methods as disclosed
herein. In an illustrative embodiment, the functions and processes
of the systems and methods as disclosed herein are embodied in a
stand alone application, an application for use by mobile devices,
and/or a web-based application which may include one or more
graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that may be accessed over a
network such as the Internet.
[0030] As disclosed herein, the systems are shown in an exemplary
environment in which the systems interact with one or more
consumers and/or content creators directly, indirectly, and/or
through a third party intermediary. A consumer includes, for
example, an individual or entity that may own, obtain, request,
receive, and/or purchase an electronic work or a custom electronic
work, and/or request customization of the electronic work,
including but not limited to a reader of an electronic book
("e-book"). A content creator includes but is not limited to an
author, a publisher, a copyright owner, a licensee, and/or a user
having permission and/or authorization to edit an electronic work.
An electronic work includes but is not limited to electronic or
digital representations of literary or written works or recordings,
musical works or recordings, dramatic works, pantomimes and
choreographic works, pictorial, graphics, and sculptural works,
sound recordings, architectural works, and any work that is subject
of copyright protection. Electronic work includes but is not
limited to e-books, music or sound files, image files, video files,
and any combination thereof Moreover, electronic work includes
digital greeting cards, digital yearbooks, digital scrapbooks, and
other works of the type.
[0031] Communications between components in the systems and methods
disclosed herein may be bidirectional electronic communication
through a wired or wireless network. For example, one component may
be networked directly, indirectly, through a third party
intermediary, wirelessly, or otherwise with other components to
enable communication between the components.
[0032] A system architecture for implementing the systems and
methods for network content delivery according to an illustrative
embodiment is described with reference to FIG. 1. As illustrated,
the system 100 includes at least one consumer device 102, at least
one content creator device 104, and at least one customization
computer or server 106. Generally, the consumer device 102, content
creator device 104, and customization server 106 are in
communication with one another via a network 108. In an
illustrative embodiment, the network is the World Wide Web (W3)
and/or the Internet but may include other types of networks such as
communications networks, Local area networks (LANs), Metropolitan
area networks (MANs), Campus area networks (CANs), Wide area
networks (WANs), wireless networks, and other networks of the
type.
[0033] The consumer device 102 may include a microprocessor 110 and
a memory storage 112. The consumer device 102 may also contain a
software product that is executable by the microprocessor 110 and
may access the memory storage 112 to store and/or retrieve data in
order to perform the functions of the consumer device 102 as
disclosed herein. Similarly, the content creator device 104 may
include a microprocessor 114, a memory storage 116, and contain a
software product that is executable by the microprocessor 114 and
may access the memory storage 116 to store and/or retrieve data in
order to perform the functions of the content creator device 104 as
disclosed herein.
[0034] In an illustrative embodiment, the consumer device 102 and
the content creator device 104 may be an electronic communication
device such as but not limited to a computer, tablet computer,
personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular or mobile phone or
handsets, smartphones, and other devices that may access, provide,
transmit, receive, and modify information over wired or wireless
networks. The customization server 106 may be an application server
and/or an entity that offers customization services of electronic
works. The customization server 106 may include a microprocessor
118, memory storage 120, and/or a database 122. In an illustrative
embodiment, the customization server 106 contains a software
product that is executable by the microprocessor 118 and may access
the memory storage 120 and/or the database 122 to store and/or
retrieve data in order to perform the functions of the flow charts
described below. The software product may be a computer program,
stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, that allows
the microprocessor to perform the functions of the flow charts
described below.
[0035] Another embodiment of the system architecture for
implementing the systems and methods is described with reference to
FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the system 200 includes the
consumer device 102, content creator device 104, customization
server 106, and may further include at least one point of request
or point of sale computer or server 202 and/or another consumer
device 208. The point of request server 202 and the consumer device
208 may be in communication with each other and/or the consumer
device 102, content creator device 104, and/or customization server
106 via the network 108. In an illustrative embodiment, the point
of request server 202 may be an electronic commerce ("e-commerce")
or commercial entity that provides, distributes, or sells
electronic works and is a partner with and/or is authorized to
provide, distribute, sell, and/or offer for sale the services of
the customization server 106. The point of request server 202 may
include a microprocessor 204 and a memory storage 206. The point of
request server 202 may also contain a software product that is
executable by the microprocessor 204 and may access the memory
storage 206 to store and/or retrieve data in order to perform the
functions of the point of request server 202 as disclosed
herein.
[0036] Further, the consumer device 208 may include a
microprocessor 210 and memory storage 212. The consumer device 208
may also contain a software product that is executable by the
microprocessor 210 and may access the memory storage 212 to store
and/or retrieve data in order to perform the functions of the
consumer device 208 as disclosed herein.
[0037] In an illustrative embodiment, the systems described above,
are configured to allow a content creator, for example an author
and/or publisher, to add new or custom content to an electronic
work. The content may be in the form of a written message, typed
message, sound recording, video recording, image or photograph, any
other types of messages that express any idea, and any combination
thereof.
[0038] In an illustrative embodiment, the systems and methods may
be implemented to allow authors of e-books to write or insert new
content (for example, a custom message, inscription or dedication,
and/or a digital autograph or signature) into an existing digital
book or e-book at the time the e-book is sold. For example, the
systems and methods disclosed herein enable authors to add custom
messages and/or sign their e-books.
[0039] In an illustrative embodiment, the systems and methods may
be implemented to allow authors of e-books to write or insert new
content into an existing digital book or e-book after the e-book
has been obtained or purchased, for example after the point of sale
or after the e-book has been obtained free of charge. In this
illustrative embodiment, a notice and form may be embedded in the
e-book before it is distributed or sold that allows consumers to
request a custom message, inscription and/or signature by the
author. The request form may be submitted to the customization
server and the author may be notified of the request, as discussed
in further detail below. This may allow the systems and methods to
be used for promotional electronic works that are not sold but may
be used for purposes of review and/or donation.
[0040] Further, the systems and methods disclosed herein may allow
authors and/or publishers to create unique or special edition
copies for purposes of review, to celebrate special occasions, or
any other purpose where the author wishes to communicate with
either a single consumer or a small sub-set of the author's
readers. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
however, that the systems and methods described herein may be
implemented and used with other types of electronic or digital
works, including but not limited to electronic or digital
representations of literary or written works or recordings, musical
works or recordings, dramatic works, pantomimes and choreographic
works, pictorial, graphics, and sculptural works, sound recordings,
architectural works, and any work that is subject of copyright
protection. This includes but is not limited to e-books, music or
sound files, image files, video files, and any combination
thereof.
[0041] The content creator may create an account on the
customization server 106 to allow the content creator to insert
content into the electronic work. A block flow diagram 300 of a
method of creating the account and preparing an e-book for
individualized media publishing according to an illustrative
embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. The content
creator creates an account with the customization server 106. The
content creator may create an account with the customization server
106, by accessing a web portal or web application program interface
to the customization server 106, via the content creator device 104
and requesting an account. The customization server 106 receives
the request and begins the account set-up process, illustrated as
step 302. Upon receiving the request, the customization server 106
may assign certain account information to the content creator
and/or prompt the content creator to enter certain account
information, via the content creator device 104, such as a set of
credentials, for example a user name and password, and other
personal identification information, which may be used to identify
and/or authenticate the content creator, illustrated as step 304.
In an illustrative embodiment, the customization server 106
presents the content creator with fields and/or drop down menus to
be filled in by the content creator through the web based
application. The content creator enters the account information,
and transmits the account information to the customization server
106. The customization server 106 then receives the account
information from the content creator, illustrated as step 306, and
creates an account for the content creator on the customization
server 106, illustrated as step 308.
[0042] After the account is created, the customization server 106
may allow the content creator to upload electronic works to the
customization server 106 through the web based application. In an
illustrative embodiment, the content creator uploads one or more
electronic works, such as e-books, to the customization server 106,
via the content creator device 104. The customization server 106
receives the electronic works, illustrated as step 310. The
customization server 106 stores the electronic works in the memory
storage 120 and/or the database 122, illustrated as step 312, and
assigns the uploaded electronic works to the content creator's
account, illustrated as step 314. The memory storage 120 and/or the
database 122 may be part of and/or electronically connected (e.g.,
either wired or wireless communications) with the customization
server 106. In an illustrative embodiment, the uploaded electronic
work is an e-book. The e-book may be in an electronic format,
including but not limited to an ePub.RTM. format (ePub.RTM. is a
registered trademark of the Open eBook Forum DBA International
Digital Publishing Forum, New York, N.Y. for electronic books), a
MOBI format, and/or other electronic formats. Generally, MOBI
format derives from MobiPocket e-reading software/technology, and
MOBI files may be opened using software, for example Mobipocket
Reader Desktop, on computers, smartphones, PDAs, electronic
readers, for example the Amazon Kindle.RTM. (Amazon Kindle.RTM. is
a registered trademark of Amazon Technologies, Inc., Reno, Nev.),
as well as other such devices.
[0043] The customization server 106 may prepare the uploaded e-book
for a customization process. A block flow diagram 400 of a method
of preparing the e-book according to an illustrative embodiment is
described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. The content creator
selects the e-book that the content creator desires to prepare for
customization through a web based application. The customization
server 106 may make the e-book available for display to the content
creator, via the content creator device 104, illustrated as step
402. For example, the customization server 106 may open or make the
selected e-book available for display with a digital reader
application. The customization server 106 allows the content
creator to select an area or particular page of the e-book and
location within that page, through the web based application, where
one or more custom or personalized messages and/or content may be
inserted, illustrated as step 404. This may create a custom tag
within the e-book, illustrated as step 406. The selected area is
transmitted to the customization server 106. The customization
server 106 locates the custom tag, illustrated as step 408, and
designates the selected area as a Customized Field or
Personalization Area, illustrated as step 410, which may be
assigned an area within the e-book where a customized message
created via the customization server 106/web based application may
appear. The customization server 106 records and/or stores the
Customized Field or Personalization Area, for example in the memory
storage 120 and/or the database 122, illustrated as step 412.
Further, the customization server 106 permits the content creator
to return to the e-book and change or modify where the Customized
Field or Personalization Area has been placed.
[0044] In an illustrative embodiment, the customization server 106
may create Customized Field or Personalization Area by inserting a
marker such as an html div tag with a class="inscription" and an
img tag for a placeholder image into the existing html for the
selected page of the e-book. The customization server 106 may also
add the placeholder image referenced in the img tag to the e-book
package. This placeholder image may be a simple transparent one
pixel image or more commonly the author's signature. Additionally,
the customization server 106 may add a set of rules to the
stylesheet (CSS) for the e-book to allow an inserted message or
content to be centered and have a reasonable amount of space
between it and any other items on the selected page of the
e-book.
[0045] An exemplary manner in which the e-book may be customized is
discussed in connection with FIG. 5. A block flow diagram 500 of a
method of a point of request or a point of sale process for
obtaining or purchasing a customized e-book according to an
illustrative embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2,
and 5. A consumer may access a seller or distributor of electronic
works (for example, the point of request server 202) and
communicate a request, via the consumer device 102, to the point of
request server 202 to obtain or purchase and/or have a custom
inscription placed in an e-book. In this illustrative embodiment,
the process is described for a consumer obtaining an e-book. It
should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that
the process may be used in connection with other electronic works
as well.
[0046] The point of request server 202 receives the request. The
request may include but is not limited to the title and name of the
author of the desired e-book, name and email address of the
consumer, and the file format of the e-book requested by the
consumer. The request may also include a selected or customized
message, image, and/or content the consumer wishes to have inserted
into the e-book by the content creator or author. For example, the
consumer may be purchasing the e-book as a gift and may want the
custom message or content to include the name of or a photograph of
the recipient of the gift.
[0047] The point of request server 202 receives the request from
the consumer device 102 and transmits the request to the
customization server 106. To transmit the request, the point of
request server 202 may access a web application program interface
that, connects the point of request server 202 to the customization
server 106, via the network 108. In alternative embodiment, the
seller or distributor may be the customization server 106. In this
alternative embodiment, the consumer may obtain or purchase the
e-book directly from the customization server 106 and thus the
consumer may send the request directly to the customization server
106, via the consumer device 102, bypassing the point of request
server 202.
[0048] Upon receiving the request, illustrated as step 502, either
from the consumer or the distributor or seller, the customization
server 106 records the request and/or order in the memory storage
120 and/or the database 122, illustrated as step 504. The
customization server 106 creates a record of the request,
illustrated as step 506, and assigns the record to the appropriate
content creator's account, illustrated as step 508. The
customization server 106 transmits a message or request, for
example an email notification, to the content creator device 104
informing the content creator that a request has been made for a
signature and/or desired/custom message or content to be inserted
into an e-book, illustrated as step 510. Upon receiving the
notification, the content creator may enter or log into the content
creator's account on the customization server 106, by accessing the
web application, via the content creator device 104.
[0049] A block flow diagram 600 of a method and corresponding
screenshots for customizing the e-book using the web based
application according to an illustrative embodiment is described
with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6-13. The content creator
accesses and/or logs into the web based application, via the
content creator device 104, for example, using the set of
credentials, as described above. The web based application is
configured to connect the content creator, via the content creator
device 104, with the customization server 106 to allow the content
creator to begin the customization of an e-book.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 7, a screenshot of a log in page of the
web based application is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the
log in page 700 presents the content creator with a username input
field 702 and a password input field 704, via the web application.
The content creator may enter the content creator's username and
password, and select a "Log In" button 706 to access the content
creator's account.
[0051] Referring back to FIG. 6, after log in the content creator
may access or may be presented with an inbox feature of the content
creator's account. The inbox may display or list the pending
requests associated with that content creator, illustrated as step
602.
[0052] A screenshot of the inbox feature of the web based
application is illustrated in FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the
content creator's inbox page 800 may include a list of pending
requests 802. Each pending request 802 may be associated with a
title 804, consumer name 806, an International Standard Book Number
(ISBN) 808, an author name 810, a dedication 812, a date 814, and a
format 816. Alternatively, the content creator may access the inbox
800 by selecting the inbox link/button 818 from a home page.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the customization server allows
the content creator to select an e-book to customize, illustrated
as step 604. The content creator may select an e-book from a list
of e-books that the content creator is a contributor to (and
approved for) to customize or searches against a catalog of books
using the title, ISBN and/or other identifying information of the
e-book. In an illustrative embodiment, the content creator may
select the desired record/request to customize by checking a box
820 next to the records/request and selecting a "Sign" button 822.
Further, a number of other methods may be used for choosing an
electronic work or e-book, for example the content creator
selecting a file from the content creator device 104. Those skilled
in the art should appreciate other methods in selecting an
electronic work from content creator device 104.
[0054] In addition to choosing the e-book to customize, the content
creator may also select or input other information, such as but not
limited to the recipient of the e-book, how the e-book should be
delivered, and/or what format is needed for the e-book. Exemplary
formats include but are not limited to: ePub.RTM. used on the Apple
iPad.RTM. and iPhone.RTM. (iPhone.RTM. and iPad.RTM. are registered
trademarks of Apple Inc., Cupertino, Calif.) and MOBI used on the
Amazon Kindle.RTM. (Amazon Kindle.RTM. is a registered trademark of
Amazon Technologies, Inc., Reno, Nev.).
[0055] Upon selecting the desired record/request, the customization
server 106 determines the location within the selected e-book where
custom content is to be inserted, illustrated as step 606. For
example the customization server 106 may look up the Customized
Field created as described above. The customization server 106 also
allows the content creator to create or select the custom content
to be inserted into the e-book, illustrated as step 608. In an
illustrative embodiment, the customization server 106 presents a
GUI through the web based application to the content creator via
the content creator's device 104.
[0056] A screenshot of a customization page of the web based
application is illustrated in FIG. 9. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the
customization page 900 may be split into a first panel 902 and a
second panel 904. The first panel 902 includes a "Sign" button 906,
a "Type" button 908, an "Add Image" button 910, and a "Preview"
button 912. The second panel 904 displays the page of the e-book
into which the custom content is to be inserted.
[0057] Upon selecting the "Sign" button 906, the content creator
may create content within the web based application using the
content creator device 104, such as but not limited to a graphics
tablet or a touch screen enabled device such as an iPad.RTM..
Additionally, the content creator may create new content within the
web based application using, for example a mouse of the content
creator device 104.
[0058] A screenshot of the sign feature of the web based
application is illustrated in FIG. 10. As illustrated in FIG. 10,
the sign feature of the web based application includes a sign field
1002 and editing tools. The editing tools may include but are not
limited to a selectable/variable "Brush Size" 1004, a
selectable/variable "Ink Color" 1006, and a rotation tool 1008. The
rotation tool 1008 may include a slider 1010, a rotation input box
1012 and a "Rotate Signature" button 1014. Other types of editing
tools include but are not limited to re-sizing and/or manipulation
of the size of the signature/message and/or cropping of the
signature/message.
[0059] For example, the content creator may sign and/or write a
message into the sign field 1002, using the content creator device
104, and edit the signature/message using the editing tools. For
example, the content creator may change the "Brush Size" 1004
and/or change the "Ink Color" 1006, and select an "Apply" button
1016 to apply the changes to the signature/message. The content
creator may also rotate the signature/message using the rotation
tool 1008. To rotate the signature/message using the rotation tool
1008, the content creator may either manipulate the slider 1010 or
input a desired degree of rotation into the rotation input box 1012
and select the "Rotate Signature" button 1014. The web based
application/customization server 106 may also allow the content
creator to add the signature/message to the selected page of the
e-book by selecting an "Add To Page" button 1018, save the
signature/message to a local disk by selecting an "Save To Local
Disk" button 1020, and/or clear the signature/message from the sign
field 1002 by selecting a "Clear" button 1022. By selecting the
"Add To Page" button 1018, the web based application/customization
server 106 adds the signature/message to the selected page of the
e-book in the second panel 904 for the content creator to view.
[0060] Upon selecting the "Type" button 908, the content creator
may type a message within the web based application and the
customization server 106 may convert the text to an image using a
font that looks like handwriting. A screenshot of the type feature
of the web based application is illustrated in FIG. 11. As
illustrated in FIG. 11, the type feature of the web based
application includes a text input field 1102 and editing tools. The
editing tools include a selectable font type 1104, a selectable,
font size 1106, a selectable/variable "Ink Color" 1108, a
selectable/variable font color 1110, and a rotation tool 1112. The
rotation tool 1112 may include a slider 1114, a rotation input box
1116 and a "Rotate Text" button 1118. Other types of editing tools
include but are not limited to re-sizing and/or manipulation of the
size of the text image and/or cropping of the text image.
[0061] For example, the content creator may type a message into the
text input field 1102, using the content creator device 104, and
edit the message using the editing tools. The content creator may
change the font type 1104, the font size 1106, the "Ink Color"
1108, and/or change the font color 1110, and select an "Apply"
button 1120 to apply the changes to the message. The content
creator may also rotate the message using the rotation tool 1112.
To rotate the message using the rotation tool 1112, the content
creator may either manipulate the slider 1114 or input a desired
degree of rotation into the rotation input box 1116 and select the
"Rotate Text" button 1118. The web based application/customization
server 106 may also allow the content creator to add the message to
the selected page of the e-book by selecting an "Add To Page"
button 1122. By selecting the "Add To Page" button 1018, the web
based application/customization server 106 adds the message to the
selected page of the e-book in the second panel 904 for the content
creator to view.
[0062] Upon selecting the "Add Image" button 910, the content
creator may upload content that the content creator has already
created by some external means, such as the content creator device
104, to the customization server 106. The content creator may
choose content from a library of images and other content that the
content creator has created previously and/or saved to library on
the customization server 106, such as a scan of the content
creator's signature or a previous message. Additionally, the
content creator may receive specific content from the consumer that
the consumer would like the content creator to insert, and upload
such content to the customization server 106. For example, the
consumer may include such content in the request when purchasing
the e-book, as described above, which may be forwarded to the
content creator via the point of request server 202 and/or the
customization server 106. The consumer may send such content
directly to the content creator via email or other
communication.
[0063] A screenshot of an add image feature of the web based
application is illustrated in FIG. 12. As illustrated in FIG. 12,
the add image feature of the web based application includes an
image field 1202 and a rotation tool 1204. The rotation tool 1204
may include a slider 1206, a rotation input box 1208 and a "Rotate
Image" button 1210. For example, the content creator may upload one
or more images to the image field 1202, using the content creator
device 104. The content creator may also rotate the image using the
rotation tool 1204. To rotate the image using the rotation tool
1204, the content creator may either manipulate the slider 1206 or
input a desired degree of rotation into the rotation input box 1208
and select the "Rotate Image" button 1210. The web based
application/customization server 106 also allows the content
creator to add the image to the selected page of the e-book by
selecting an "Add To Page" button 1212. By selecting the "Add To
Page" button 1212, the web based application/customization server
106 adds the signature/message to the selected page of the e-book
in the second panel 904 for the content creator to view.
Additionally, the web based application/customization server 106
also allows the content creator to remove the image from the
selected page of the e-book by selecting a "Remove From Page"
button 1214. Other types of editing tools include but are not
limited to allowing re-sizing and/or manipulation of the size of
the image, and/or cropping of the image.
[0064] In an illustrative embodiment, the web based application may
also include an add media or import media feature. The add media
feature may allow the content creator to upload, import, or add
media, including audio or sound recordings, and/or video files to
the customization server 106. The customization server 106 may then
incorporate the media into the selected page of the e-book. Thus,
it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that all types
of media may be incorporated into an electronic work.
[0065] Several images and/or other files may be combined to create
the final message. For example the image derived from the text may
be combined with an image of the content creator's real signature,
a photo, and/or other content of the type to create a more
attractive custom message. Additionally, the content creator may
further customize the signature and message by selecting font
color, brush width, font size, and rotation of signature, message
or image, and other customization tools of the type.
[0066] Once the custom message has been created or selected, the
author may preview the custom message within the selected e-book,
by selecting a "Preview" button 912 or pane within the web based
application. Referring back to FIG. 6, to present the author with
the preview of the custom message, the customization server 106
makes a copy of the selected e-book components and looks up the
selected page at which the custom message is to be inserted in the
memory storage 120 and/or the database 122. The customization
server 106 generates the custom message page, illustrated as step
610, and displays it to the content creator via the content creator
device 104, illustrated as step 612.
[0067] A screenshot of the preview page of the web based
application is illustrated in FIG. 13. Referring to FIG. 13, the
preview page 1302 of the web based application displays the
selected page of the e-book with the custom message inserted into
the selected page to the content creator. The preview page also
includes a "Back To Sign" button 1304 and a "Deliver" button 1306.
This allows the content creator to view the customized message and
layout within the customized field of the e-book. The content
creator may then go back and sign again, edit, or modify the custom
content if the content creator is not satisfied with the preview by
selecting the "Back To Sign" button 1304, or move forward and
deliver the final individualized media file to the consumer in a
specific format by selecting the "Deliver" button 1306. This
preview of the page is generally updated as the content creator
changes the custom message/content. While the exemplary screenshots
are illustrated and described in connection with certain command
language for the various buttons or links (for example "Sign,"
"Type," "Add Image," "Apply," "Preview," "Back to Sign," "Deliver,"
etc.), it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the
command language is merely exemplary and may be modified as
desired. For example, the "Back To Sign" button 1304 may
alternatively be a "Back" button, a "Previous Page" button, or
include other command language of the type.
[0068] Once the author is satisfied with the custom message page,
the custom message page is uploaded to the customization server 106
and the existing placeholder image is replaced by this new image. A
block flow diagram 1400 of a method of conversion and delivery of
the customized e-book or individualized media according to an
illustrative embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2,
and 14. The customization server 106 integrates the personalized
message within the customized field with the e-book stored in the
memory storage 120 and/or the database 122. The customization
server 106 receives the custom message from the content creator,
illustrated as step 1402. The customization server 106 looks up the
Customized Field or Personalization Area of the selected e-book
where the custom message is to be integrated, based on the tags
assigned to the book in the preparation process described above,
illustrated as step 1404. The customization server 106 inserts the
custom message into the Customized Field or Personalization Area of
the selected e-book, illustrated as step 1406. The customization
server 106 may compress the e-book file for storage and/or
transmission, illustrated as step 1408. The customization server
106 creates an e-book file which is the individualized media,
illustrated as step 1410. The customization server 106 may also
convert the file into the format preferred by the consumer or
content creator including but not limited to an ePub (standard
format), MOBI (Amazon Kindle.RTM. propriety format), and/or other
format types.
[0069] In an illustrative embodiment, the customization server 106
may also place an indicator on the individualized or custom e-book,
such as labeling the e-book as a commemorative edition. The
customization server 106 may also verify, authenticate, and/or
indicate in or on the e-book that the content creator, such as the
author, is the person who signed and/or inserted the custom content
into the e-book.
[0070] The resulting individualized media file may be delivered to
the consumer in the desired format, illustrated as step 1412, and
the transaction is recorded by the customization server 106 in the
memory storage 120 and/or the database 122, illustrated as step
1414. For example, the customization server 106 may send the custom
e-book to the consumer, by transmitting the custom e-book to the
consumer device 102. Further, the customization server 106 may
include a custom message determined by the content creator in the
delivery of the e-book.
[0071] A screenshot of an email delivery page of the web based
application is illustrated in FIG. 15. As illustrated in FIG. 15,
the email delivery page 1502 may include a receiver name input
field 1504, a recipient email address field 1506, a subject field
1508, and a message input area 1510. The customized e-book or
individualized media may be automatically attached to the email by
the customization server, as illustrated by the attachment 1512.
Alternatively, the content creator may choose or select the desired
customized e-book or individualized media to be attached to the
email.
[0072] In an illustrative embodiment, the content creator may enter
the name and email address of the consumer into the receiver name
input field 1504 and the recipient email address field 1506.
Additionally, the content creator may enter a desired subject and
message into the subject field 1508 and the message input area
1510. Alternatively, the customization server 106 may automatically
input the above information including a particular message into the
message input area 1510. The particular message may be for example,
a customized message to the individual consumer, a standard message
chosen by the author, a default message, and/or other messages of
the type. To send the customized e-book or individualized media to
the consumer, the content creator selects a "Send Email" button
1514, and the customized server 106 transmits the email to the
consumer via email.
[0073] Alternatively, the content creator may transmit the
customized e-book or individualized media directly from the content
creator device 104 to the consumer, for example via email.
Additionally, the customized e-book or individualized media may be
transmitted to the point of request server 202 by the customization
server 106 or the content creator, which then transmits the
customized e-book or individualized media to the consumer by
transmitting the custom e-book to the consumer device 102, for
example via email. The customized e-book may also be saved and/or
stored on a computer, disk, storage device, and/or mobile device
and transmitted or delivered to the consumer.
[0074] In an illustrative embodiment, the customization server 106
stores each individualized message creation for future access or
re-delivery. When the customization server 106 records the
transaction, the customization server 106 may also update the
record with one or more of the following: date signed, date
delivered, format delivered, and other information of the type. The
content creator may access the content creator's "My Profile" page
or view within the content creator's account on the customization
server 106, which may detail the records of requests and history of
signings with any special notes. Upon accessing the content
creator's "My Profile" page, the content creator may view the
content creator's account library for each of the content creator's
titles, preferences, images, and/or messages. This enables the
content creator to view a history of the content creator's signings
by logging in to the content creator's account and viewing a
history page, which may be within the "MyProfile" page. Reports
with the above information may also be prepared by the
customization server 106 and downloaded by the content creator.
[0075] In an illustrative embodiment, the consumer, instead of the
content creator, may insert custom content into the electronic
work, for example via the consumer device(s) 102 and/or 208 in
accordance with the above description. However, it should be
appreciated that the electronic work may be copyright protected,
and the consumer may require permission granted by the copyright
owner(s) of the electronic work in order to insert custom content
into the electronic work.
[0076] Additionally, the consumer may create custom content, for
example personalized messages, bookplates, and/or cards to be
inserted into, attached to, bundled with, sent or transmitted along
with the electronic work or customized electronic work. For
example, a first consumer may desire to send an electronic work as
a gift to a second consumer along with a gift card. In this
example, referring back to FIG. 2, the first consumer, for example
via the consumer device 102, may communicate with the point of
request server 202 and/or the customization server 106 and request
an electronic work to be transmitted or sent to the second consumer
as a gift, for example via the consumer device 208. The first
consumer may access the customization server 106 and create,
upload, and/or select custom content for the gift card. The
customization server 106 may integrate the custom content into the
gift card and insert the gift card into, attach the gift card to,
bundle the gift card with, and/or send or transmit the gift card
with the electronic work.
[0077] In an illustrative embodiment, the customization server 106
may transmit the electronic work and gift card to the second
consumer, for example via the consumer device 208, to the first
consumer, for example via the consumer device 102, and/or to the
point of request server 202. When the electronic work and gift card
is transmitted to the point of request server 202, the point of
request server 202 may transmit the electronic work and gift card
to the second consumer, for example via the consumer device 208,
and/or to the first consumer, for example via the consumer device
102. When the electronic work and gift card is transmitted to the
first consumer, the first consumer may then transmit the electronic
work and gift card to the second consumer, for example via the
consumer device 208.
[0078] In an illustrative embodiment, the systems and methods
described above may further include a number of optional features
that may be desired, including but not limited to: the collection
of billing or other business related data from the author, and
ensuring that a file uploaded by the author is a valid image or the
validation of the final e-book file before it is sent out or
delivered to the consumer.
[0079] Although the embodiments described herein illustrate a
content creator using the invention to sign e-books or consumers
using the embodiments to individualize electronic works or media,
it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the systems
and methods disclosed herein may be used for the insertion of other
custom messages. For example, other uses are the insertion of:
customized advertising, commemorative edition messages,
announcements of upcoming events, coupons, or any other custom
message the content creator or consumer chooses. Furthermore, the
process may be used for the insertion of multiple messages into
different sections of an e-book or other electronic work or
media.
[0080] While the systems and methods have been described and
illustrated in connection with insertion of custom messages and
images into e-books, it should be appreciated by one skilled in the
art that other digital media may be inserted as well, such as audio
and/or video elements. Further, it should be appreciated that any
type of digital media may be customized by the systems and methods
described above, including but not limited to magazine, news paper,
audio, video, and other digital media files of the type.
[0081] While the systems and methods have been described and
illustrated in connection with certain embodiments, many variations
and modifications will be evident to those skilled in the art and
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure. The systems and methods are thus not to be limited to
the precise details of methodology or construction set forth above
as such variations and modification are intended to be included
within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *